“You can call me
an idiot boy if you want to,” Patrick said, wincing.
“I think I’ll
save that honour for another time,” Lee said wrily. “I’m sure it’ll come in
useful.”
“So are you
finished now?” Patrick waited for Lee to blink hard and nod, then he continued.
“It’s my turn to speak. Stop looking for a new flat. I want you to move in
here, above the shop. Maybe that’s too horrible a thought to bear—”
“It’d be
perfect,” Lee gasped. “But—”
“If worst comes
to worst—as you yourself said—it’ll save you money. But I mean, not just to
live here for work. To live here with me.”
“Patrick!”
Patrick felt his
voice growing stronger with every word. “I will be eternally grateful you
didn’t give up on me. That your determination was strong enough for us both. I
should have been as sure as you were. Or let you know earlier and
louder—because I always wassure, in my heart.”
Lee was
grinning. “Are you asking me to be your boyfriend, Patrick?”